Smoke disrupts flights at East Kalimantan's Melalan Airport

 The cancellation of flights at Melalan Airport in West Kutai District, East Kalimantan Province, reflects a commitment to aviation safety as thick wildfire smoke sharply reduces visibility, airport chief Bernard Repelita Purba said.

Thick smoke forced the airport to suspend operations after visibility fell below one kilometer, Bernard said in Samarinda 

Unpredictable weather conditions prompted authorities to cancel flights to and from Melalan Airport from September 1 to September 5, 2026.

“We halted operations purely for flight safety. Pioneer carriers Wings Air and Smart Aviation have announced cancellations through next week if rain does not fall,” Bernard said.

In addition to commercial carriers, charter flights using a private helicopter operated by PT Bayan have also been suspended, he said.

Extremely poor visibility caused by smoke poses serious risks to safe flight procedures, particularly during critical phases such as aircraft approach and landing.

Under normal conditions, Melalan Airport serves about 60 passengers daily, with occupancy above 80 percent, totaling roughly 1,800 passengers a month, Bernard said.

The operational adjustment follows guidance from the Transportation Ministry’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which requires flights to be delayed, diverted, or canceled when visibility falls below minimum limits.

The smoke has also disrupted other Class 3 airports nationwide, including Muara Teweh Airport, which has been closed for more than a week.

Higher-class airports in East Kalimantan, including those in Balikpapan, Samarinda, and Berau, have continued operating normally, according to reports.

Airport authorities are monitoring weather and visibility and will resume flights in West Kutai only after all safety requirements have been fully met.